The Government of Fiji warmly welcomes today’s signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) by New Zealand’s Minister for Emergency Management, Hon. Kieran McAnulty and his counterpart, Fiji’s Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka.
The visit also marked a Coin Presentation ceremony in commendation of the efforts and contribution made by a 34-member team deployed by the Government of Fiji to provide surge support to the NZ Government in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle in February this year.
The team, which comprised five (5) officials from the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), 26 from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), and three (3) from the National Fire Authority (NFA), was presented with a coin each at a solemn occasion in Suva today.
The group was deployed to support the New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Wellington, the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand with response and recovery works in the Hawke’s Bay region.
In welcoming the announcement, Minister Ditoka acknowledged the New Zealand Government for their unwavering support and assistance extended to Fiji over the years.
“In these times of global crises, it is paramount for disaster managers within our region to share lessons learned and cultivate relationships to strengthen our collective regional capabilities in disaster response,” Minister Ditoka said.
“The helping hand you extended to Fiji during the COVID-19 pandemic, TC Harold, TC Yasa, and many others, is deeply appreciated and exemplifies the true spirit of friendship and solidarity between our nations. Today, we commemorate this occasion with a coin ceremony celebration. Such actions reinforce the bonds of our Duavata Partnership and signify our shared commitment to extensive and enhanced collaboration.”
“Let this meeting mark the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership—a chapter defined by shared visions, mutual support, and collective action for a resilient and climate-resilient Pacific. Let us leave no one behind and emerge stronger and more resilient.”
“As Minister for Rural, Maritime Development, and Disaster Management of Fiji, I reaffirm our commitment to deepen and broaden our collaboration with New Zealand in the areas of humanitarian response and risk management. Our bilateral efforts will not only benefit our nations but will also set an example for others to follow. We stand ready to explore new avenues for cooperation and to forge stronger ties that will lead us toward a more secure and resilient future,” added Minister Ditoka.
Hon. McAnulty said, “both our countries have had each other’s backs during emergency weather situations. Fiji has shared their knowledge and skilled team members with New Zealand through some of our toughest times and we are extremely grateful for their friendship.”
Hon. McAnulty also announced that New Zealand would contribute FJ$3.45million to Fiji’s NDMO to support emergency management initiatives in Fiji. The funding will be instrumental in the establishment of a new disaster warehouse in the Northern Division and fostering peer-to-peer support between New Zealand's NEMA and Fiji's NDMO.
Hon. McAnulty is presently on his first official visit to Fiji from August 1-3.